Estate sales, metal fabrications in day's work for Valley man

Ray Garner has covered wagons, windmills and wishing wells in his yard.

While selling the wagons he made from the wheels and barn wood brought from the Midwest, Garner got the idea to do auctions.

"Instead of doing a garage sale, bring it here," he said.

Garner created Carson Valley Auctions and R Country Corner to help take the stress out of estate and garage sales. He holds auctions in his yard at 3180 Highway 395 every other Monday.

"Estate sales can be stressful - the way people talk about or handle your stuff," Garner said. "Stress is also involved in all the time and expense of advertising."

He's sold saddles, shelves, couches, bunk beds, appliances and patio sets at the auctions.

"We sold an aluminum boat last week," said Garner.

Antiques such as milk cans, school bells, anvils and tractor seats are displayed in Garner's yard and warehouses.

Garner takes a trailer with him on his job that takes him across country constructing Wal-Mart buildings. He fills the trailer with Nevada stuff when he leaves and brings it home with wagon materials or with treasures to sell at his auctions.

Garner designs and sells wagons used as backyard barbecue chuck wagons and builds functioning smoke houses that can accommodate 200-300 lbs. of meat.

He's made flower carts and ore carts and water pump fountains.

Garner hopes to give people ideas of what they would like him to build.

"Bring in a photo of what you'd like," he said. "I'm not locked into any design."

He makes cut-outs in cast-iron griddles and frying pans with a plasma cutter to make yard art, house numbers or names.

"If you can draw or take a photo of it, I can cut it," he said.

Mady's Art, original watercolor, acrylic and oil artwork by Mady Garner, is available on site.

The Garners hope to hold special once-a-month antique or estate sales soon.

"Make it a family affair," said Ray Garner. "Come by and socialize."

Auctions are held every other Monday night, except holidays, starting at 5 p.m. The next auction is June 12. Call 450-1911 for more information.

Carson Valley Auctions at R Country Corner and Mady's Art is at 3180 Highway 395 North in Minden across from Silver City RV Park.

What: Carson Valley Auctions

Where: 3180 Highway 395 North, Minden

When: 5 p.m. June 12

Info: 450-1911